Nursing

Weekly Q&A: Selecting a consultant and developing objectives

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, July 18, 2006

This week, a reader wants to know how to select and develop objectives for an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® consultant. Read the response below from our advisor, Elise Gropper, PhD, APRN,BC, CNNA, president, Gropper & Associates, Inc., a national healthcare consulting firm in Coral Springs, FL.

Q: How does an organization select an ANCC Magnet Recognition Program® consultant, and how would one develop objectives for the consultant?

A: One of the best ways to select a consultant is by word of mouth. Try asking project directors at designated facilities

  • who they used as a consultant
  • how they used the consultant
  • whether they were satisfied with the consultant they chose

    One way to begin working with a consultant is with a gap analysis to determine the organization's opportunities for improvement in relation to the 14 Forces of Magnetism. Establish the level of involvement you would like the consultant to have in the process, and discuss possibilities with the consultant during the selection process. It is important to determine your budget, and with respect to it, give the consultant as little or as much involvement as you see fit. The consultant can help you brainstorm, assist in developing processes to fill in potential gaps, assist in writing narratives, provide staff education, and perform a mock site visit once your documents are approved by the ANCC.

    Regardless of what you decide, remember that this is your organization and your process. Be sure your in-house project director keeps the responsibility and accountability within the organization.

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